Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fortuna, CA (2024 Update)
- Fortuna Solar Installation Cost: $7,877
- 25-Year Savings: $20,134
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fortuna
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Fortuna.
In Fortuna, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Fortuna homeowner needs a 3.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,877 with the federal tax credit, or $11,264 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Fortuna homeowner can save about $31,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Fortuna for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fortuna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,339 |
| 3 years | $-3,263 |
| 5 years | $-187 |
| 7 years | $2,888 |
| 9 years | $5,964 |
| 11 years | $9,040 |
| 13 years | $12,116 |
| 15 years | $15,192 |
| 17 years | $18,267 |
| 19 years | $21,343 |
| 21 years | $24,419 |
| 23 years | $27,495 |
| 25 years | $30,571 |
Top Solar Installers in Fortuna
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Fortuna, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Fortuna:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Fortuna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fortuna
There are a number of criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,470. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fortuna provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fortuna homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Fortuna have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $33,561 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,137 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $56,907 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $68,871 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $81,030 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $93,382 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $105,930 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $118,671 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Fortuna, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fortuna?
The average cost of solar panels in Fortuna is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fortuna?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,623.93 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.